Our Trip North...

I just realized that I have not updated on our trip north to Ovamboland.
Meagan went to Walvis Bay on the Intercape to visit the Strauss family... the rest of us set out to the north to visit Lazarus and Leila.
It is a long drive north... we stopped to eat at a rest stop, stopped at Ndemufayo's farm to deliver some goodies to her sisters and mother, and stopped at the Ark Oshikuku to say hello!
We arrived at Lazarus' farm late afternoon and were met with some disbelief that we had actually come... :0)! Lazarus has built a house on his family's land, next to his sisters who he does his best to care for from far away in Okahandja. They grow millet (omahangu) and sorghum (iilyaalyaka), the store it in big baskets and when they need it they pound it into flour for porridge. In the summer they collect mopani worms, which they dry. He has some goats on his farm, however some of them died during the rainy season as there was a lot of flooding in the north... they got too wet and died. Lazarus has a passion for his community in the north, he would like to see some community development take place. Many of the people are uneducated, and there are many suffering with HIV/AIDS in the villages who do not have access to the med's and are often ostracized by the community and left to die. There are also orphans and vulnerable children (OVC's) in the community who need to be supported within the extended family. There is lots to be done in Ovamboland.
During our time there the boys wandered free in the fields... catching fish, turtles and frogs and chasing snakes. Tavis said that this was the best holiday he has ever had! They were made for village life :0) I enjoyed spending the days with Leila and the children, and looking around the area. Leila and I had plenty of time to chat and REALLY get to know each other... I feel our relationship has reached a whole new level. Pete enjoyed wandering around the property and visiting with Lazarus and finding out more about his life. We went into town to visit Danny and Frieda (they used to work in Okahandja and Keetmanshoop with CHI).
On the Saturday we took a drive to Ruacana. It was a fantastic day... we saw the falls, the Angolan border crossing, the Angolan countryside :0( felt lonely for Angola... went to a park and the kids ran wild, swam near the croc's, played with the Himba boys, rode their donkey, caught fish, and just had a lot of fun! The ladies sat with the little ones and did beading, and the guys took a long hike up the river almost to the falls! In the evening we had a goat braai... we talked and laughed until we cried. It was awesome!
On Monday morning we drove back to Okahandja, stopping in Oshikuku, and at Ndemufayo's place again. We stopped in Otjiwarango and bought PIZZA... the world's best.
Of course this is just a basic summary of our trip... there are so many details that I would love to share, maybe when we are together for coffee we can talk about how God has worked in and through us! It's always better face to face!
Charlene

Progress Report...

Well, here we are with 31 days left to go... where are we at? Well, to date we have found someone to take the house, store our stuff, take our dog, take over our Internet contract, and we have packed several boxes! There is still much to do, but I am feeling a little better with the progress that has been made!
Just over half our our airline tickets are paid up, but we are trusting that God will supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory, through His cheerful givers... for whom we are very thankful!
The points of prayer that are needed for what is yet to be sorted out are:
* That the rest of the money for tickets will come in.
* That we will be able to sell our car (as when we return we need a 4x4 pickup, makes more sense)
* That we will be able to finish sorting out the transition for the ministry here in Okahandja for both Pete and myself!
* That we will be able to purchase a vehicle in Canada that will be sufficient for our family and for the year at home.
* That the details for a place to live will get sorted out ASAP... it is a nagging concern which I am trying to give up to God! I know He knows... but it is hard for me to not think about it!
* For safety with all the traveling ahead in 2008/09!
* For softened hearts to the needs in Namibia/Angola as we go and share what God has placed on our hearts.
We praise God for all of the answers to prayer thus far and we are looking forward to how He will sort out the rest of the details, on our behalf! We thank you for your prayers, and we will continue to keep you posted on the progress!
Love,
Charlene and family...

I am excited that when I get back to Canada I will be able to upload new pictures onto our site and not have to pay PER megabite.  So... just wait another month and you should see some great shots of Africa posted on our site!

Charlene

PS... if you want to see some pictures you can check out http://knightlyfamily.blogspot.com

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Airfare Progress

To date we have $3591 in the account for our plane tickets, so we have $3609 more to go. At this point it seems a bit overwhelming with all the other expenses that we will face once we return, so please pray for peace of mind and trust in the GOD of the universe who has all things in his control! We have found someone to take our house, Internet and dog, so that is a burden that has been lifted.
Here are some of the random thoughts and feelings that pass through my mind and heart on any given day:
I still have lots of packing and planning to do. I am feeling a bit nervous about the unknowns. I am not completely sure everyone knows what a Home Assignment is, and I am burdened with the feeling that we have to somehow justify it, I know that we NEED it and yet I have a hard time having to explain it. I am realizing there are so many who do not understand the world of 'missionary' and I am praying that we will have those who will surround us and support us when we arrive back in Canada. We still have no idea where we will live. I am nervous about returning to Canada. I am overwhelmed with the task ahead, and yet I want to enjoy my last few weeks here in Africa (where's the balance?)! I am looking forward to seeing our family and friends. I am looking forward to attending Talitha's Graduation! I am looking forward to the quiet and peaceful place where my parents live in Sussex! I am wondering how we will manage a vehicle. Sometimes I wish we could purchase a small home that we could come back to every 3 or 4 years for the refreshment and relaxation that we need. I never realized how much is involved in planning a home assignment and all the unknowns that you just have to sit back and watch God work through! Some days I wake up and think... 'this is all TOO much', but then I remember that God doesn't give us more than what we can handle. Some days I think... where is everybody when we need help... but that is just me being selfish. This is who I am, I am sharing honestly, some may be offended, but others will pray more for me, and some will even write me and let me know that I am not alone!
There are some of my random thoughts! They rush through my mind and make me tired. I am a weak and broken vessel who needs the Lord and His filling more than ever. He reminds me that ALL things work together for GOOD for those who LOVE Him and are CALLED according to His purpose! God is good... all the time!
Trusting...
Charlene